AMHERST - As spring begins to kick into full gear so to are school activities and events.

The Spring Street Academy Home and School Association is hosting a Spring Fling event at the school’s gym Saturday, April 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. and the community is invited.

Theresa Wood, a parent whose daughter is attending the school, is one of the organizers

After weighing the pros and cons Wood decided to become involved with the home and school association because she wants to make a difference.

“It’s my understanding that the home and school hasn’t been that active over the last couple of years so I really just wanted to make it a positive experience for everybody.”

The goal of the Spring Fling is to help the school become more financially independent, Wood said.

“Basically we’re just trying to raise some money to support the school a little better than in previous years. As you know the school board has made cuts over the last three years so we’re trying to ensure that all students get to take part in a class trip.”

Money raised would also go toward yearbooks and equipment for the gym.

The money will be raised through various events at the Spring Fling, she said.

“We’re going to have a ticket system where we are going to charge $5 for a bag of 20 tickets and that can be used for any of the events and the canteen as well.”

There will also be one free event in case there are some less fortunate families who want to take part.

“We want to make this about the community not just this school, we want it to be recognized as a really fun event.”

Some of the events that are expected to take place will be balloon animals, face painting, an obstacle course and a 17-foot high Batman bouncy castle. If the weather cooperates there will also be events held outside such as basketball, a hockey shootout, skipping ropes and hula-hoops.

Wood said she’s trying to keep the students involved as well.

“We went to the Grade 6 students and asked for volunteers to help us out at each one of the booths and they were all really excited at the thought of a spring fling.”